The current Ford Explorer has remained very popular since its launch in North America some four years ago and in the Philippines a year later. It's hard to believe that it has already been that long. With the arrival of updated and all-new rivals, the Blue Oval guys aren't just sitting around. They obviously want to maintain their position in the midsize/large SUV market.

In the last few months, spy photos of the refreshed Explorer started to surface on various websites, blogs and forums. According to leftlanenews.com, which also published a recent set of spy photos showing the Explorer prototype with only light camo, Ford's SUV will receive a new grille, new slimmer headlights and LED fog lights. This should align its styling with its smaller sibling, the all-new Ford Edge midsize crossover.

Based on another set of spy photos on releasecar2016.com and fordhp.com.br, the vehicle will feature rectangular exhaust tips (at least on some models), and squarish LED brake lights on what could be slightly smaller taillight clusters. Since this is just a mid-cycle refresh, the revised Explorer body is largely unchanged from the current model.

Expect an updated interior to go with the updated exterior. Ford will most likely use this as an opportunity to introduce its more user-friendly versions of SYNC and MyFord Touch to the Explorer range.

The engine options still remain a mystery, but speculations suggest that newer engines found on other recently unveiled new-generation Ford models could replace the current Explorer engines. One of the possible new engines is the 325hp2.7-liter EcoBoost V6, which is an option on the all-new F-150 full-size pickup and the upcoming all-new Edge. The other possible engine option is the 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine, which was introduced on the all-new 2015 Mustang and the Lincoln MKC compact luxury crossover. Although this engine can produce up to 310hp in the performance-oriented Mustang, the milder but still powerful 285hp version on the MKC would most likely be the more logical option for the Explorer.

Looking into our automotive crystal ball, we render how the refreshed 2016 Explorer might look like. Feel free to share your thoughts on these renderings. Do you think its Edge-influenced styling is an improvement from the current model?

Hello TopGear!
What is the best fuel brand/company for all new diesel cars available in Philippines , Shell, Petron etc.?

LFron1011:

Hello TopGear!
What is the best fuel brand/company for all new diesel cars available in Philippines , Shell, Petron etc.?

EnRicO56:

Hello Top Gear, is it correct that if i have my car insured in cebu city, and plan to travel in manila it will not be covered by the insurance incase any accident may happen.

Chyleo1518699:

Good day Topgear. I'm wondering if you can share some thoughts on this. Are major car dealerships (like Honda, Toyota & others) obligated to provide towing services for vehicle units under full warranty which are confirmed to be a legitimate car or parts failure?
Thank you.

Alchemy07:

Hi TopGear, What's the best luxury diesel SUV from your end with a budget of 5M max?

jcheavens58:

Good day TopGear. Newbie here. I would like to know if all Premium gasoline in the Philippines today are also unleaded? And please enlighten if filling up my car with Premium gasoline(XCS/Blaze/VPower) instead of the manufacturer's recommended Unleaded RON 91 gasoline would do harm or damage to the engine?

ronnieb.:

good day top gear ph. when is the right time/kms reading that i go to reputable car shop instead of casa for the servicing? my vehicle needs to go to 25k kms service. thank you in advance

rain.bason:

Hi Top Gear PH, I want to seek your opinion and expertise about some issue on my car but I'm not sure how can I send it over to you. Is there an email address that I can email with?

carnuts888:

Good Day,
I would like to know why KIA does not sell here the Kia Ray sold in South Korea and also why Toyota does not sell here the toyota tank and Daihatsu Thor offered in Japan. I think there would be buyers here for these models if they bring it in.

markvibar78:

Wow why is it if their is a new model from mitsubishi or toyota they always have an immediate counter part. Like the MitsuExpander then now this toyota rush.